Page 69 of Aftertaste

Sage smiled softly. “It’s nice to meet you.”

“Same,” Storm said, wrapping his arm around Sage and pulling her closer to him.

There was an awkward few seconds of silence then a throat cleared. “And I’m Rush.”

“Right.” I shook my head and turned to face Rush. “This is my big brother, Rush.”

“The doorman?” Thalia asked.

“The one and only.” He grinned down at her. “You do that often?” he asked, crossing his arms over his chest.

“Erm…” Her face paled. “Do…what?”

“Dance in cages and kiss the people in them.” He sounded deadly serious, and every part of me wanted to push him away from us, but I knew I wouldn’t get very far. He was easily twice the size of me.

“No.” She shook her head vehemently. “I never do that.”

“Rush.” I elbowed him in the side. “Stop it.” I didn’t wait for him to say another word as I grabbed Thalia’s hand again and led her away from my annoying brother. “What would you like to drink?”

“Tequila.” She didn’t hesitate.

I lifted my hand to get the bartenders attention. “Two tequila shots.” He nodded, pouring us two, and as soon as they were placed on the bar, I picked them up and handed Thalia one. “Bottoms up.”

She lifted her shot in the air, her eyes not moving off me for even a second. I watched as her lips closed over the rim of the glass, enraptured in each of her movements. She winced at the burn of the Tequila, her face screwing up. And I decided then and there that I didn’t need a shot of alcohol, all I needed was another shot ofher.

The Calm and The Storm

Thalia

I laughed as I watched the thousandth cat video in a row. I never got tired of staring at the furry cuteness on my cell. I’d always wanted a pet, but my mom had never allowed it.The fur will get all over my furniture.I rolled my eyes as her voice ricocheted in my head. I’d reasoned that we could get one that didn’t shed any fur, but she’d shut down the idea years ago and my dad didn’t have any choice but to go along with her.

My happy mood for being home alone was starting to wane. Why did I have to think about anything but the cuteness on my screen? My brain was against me, it was the only explanation.

But as soon as a notification slid down from the top of my screen, my mood changed completely. My body froze, my stomach bottoming out.

Holy shit. She’d messaged me.

My mind immediately went back to two nights ago, back in the cage with Haven. I’d never felt anything like I had when I’d been dancing with her. And it was nothing compared to the way my body reacted when she touched me.

Haven: Hey.

My giddiness at her one-word message was unstoppable. I sat up straighter, crossing my legs and not moving my gaze off the screen as my thumb hovered over the keyboard, not sure what to reply.

I shrugged my shoulders, deciding simple was better. Right?

Thalia: Hey yourself.

I waited with bated breath as the three dots signaling that she was replying came up. They disappeared for a millisecond them reappeared.

Haven: What are you up to?

Thalia: Nothing much. Just chilling at home.

Haven: Cool…

Haven: I enjoyed Friday night.

Thalia: Me too Although I feel like I didn’t get to know you much.

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